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The experience that converted me to UK holidays

Written By Sophie Hines | 24 August 2016

A British break doesn’t have to be a last resort...

I’ll admit it – in the past I’ve been a bit of snob about UK holidays.

The thought of remaining on these isles when I could jet off on a bargain flight to Europe, or, should I manage to curb my Zara spending habit for a few months, even further afield, was distinctly unappealing.

My main memories of UK holidays stem from childhood - those sunny weeks spent making friends over sandcastle-building on Cornish beaches, queuing up for rickety little rollercoasters in the Isle of Wight and tearing noisily around Pembrokeshire caravan parks. All brilliant memories, of course, but not really what you’re looking for when you're planning a ‘grown up’ holiday.

But in fact, there was so much to see and do from our base in the sleepy fishing village of Appledore that I've already got my heart set on returning to North Devon next year.

Firstly, there were the beaches. I’ll admit we were lucky to have brilliant weather, but the UK coastline is just stunning – you can’t beat a day body-boarding, sunbathing and enjoying some traditional seaside grub in Woolacombe, pictured below. Check out our round-up of the 22 best UK beaches here.

The approach to Woolacombe beach

There was also a huge range of activities, from walking the breath-taking, Poldark-worthy coastline of Morwenstow, to cycling from Bideford to Barnstaple along a romantic old railway track.

And don’t even get me started on the food – is there anything better than snaffling an afternoon tea in a pretty British garden, or enjoying fish and chips straight from the paper as you watch the tide come in?

Granted, you’re not going to get the guaranteed sunshine of Lanzarote if you stay on our shores, but even if the weather’s drizzly, there are still so many cultural sites, wonderful little towns and, of course, quaint tea rooms to visit in the UK.

I also found the whole experience much more relaxing than a foreign holiday. Don’t get me wrong – I love jetting off to exotic locations – but being able to pack up the car and go without having to worry about hand luggage restrictions, vaccinations, adaptors, changing cash and the whole stress of airports is just fantastic.

I still love travelling abroad, and obviously, am keen to explore the rest of the world – but I have to say, I’m now completely convinced of the peaceful joys of a British break, and I can’t wait to pop my suitcase in the car and head off again for another UK adventure.